It is expected that Fast will spend this season in Europe and come to North America next season.

Leslie Treff wrote in April, “What that will involve is likely giving Fasth a bonus while having him play in Europe for another season, with no assurance that he will play for the Rangers in the fall of 2013. Although that is a big risk, it is expected that New York will do just that, as Fasth has excellent offensive upside.”

New York, May 29, 2012 – New York Rangers President and General Manager Glen Sather announced today that the club has agreed to terms with forward Jesper Fast.
Fast, 20, skated in 21 games with HV71 of the Swedish Elite League (SEL) this season, registering five goals and 11 assists for 16 points, along with four penalty minutes and a plus-nine rating. He established a career-high in assists and plus-minus rating, and tied his career-high in points despite missing three months with a fractured ankle suffered on November 29 vs. Brynas IF. Fast posted three multi-point performances during the season, including a career-high four assists and five points on October 4 at AIK. He registered 10 points in six games from October 4 at AIK to October 20 at Frolunda, tallying one goal and nine assists over the span. Fast also recorded two goals and one assist in five playoff games with HV71.
In 2010-11, Fast tallied seven goals and nine assists for 16 points, along with six penalty minutes and a plus-six rating in 36 games with HV71 (SEL). He established career-highs in games played, goals, points, penalty minutes, and power play goals (two). In addition, Fast made his SEL playoff debut, skating in three postseason contests with HV71. Prior to joining HV71, Fast skated in six games with HV71 Jr. (Swe-Jr.), registering three goals and seven assists for 10 points, along with four penalty minutes and a plus-eight rating.
The 6-0, 180-pounder made his SEL debut in 2009-10, skating in two games with HV71. Earlier that season, Fast established Swedish SuperElit League (Swe-Jr.) career-highs in goals (23), assists (26) and points (49) in 37 games with HV71 Jr. He tied for the team lead in goals, second in points and third in assists. Fast also recorded two assists in three playoff contests with HV71 Jr.
Internationally, Fast has represented Sweden in several tournaments, including at the 2011 IIHF U-20 World Junior Championship. He tied for the team lead with four goals, and added two assists for six points in six tournament contests. The Nassjo, Sweden native also registered one goal and one assist in four games with Sweden at the 2010 U-20 USA National Junior Evaluation Camp at Lake Placid.
Fast was selected by the Rangers as a sixth round choice, 157th overall, in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.